Mouth (oral) cancer falls under head-and-neck cancers and is typically treated within that specialty. Recent data from India reveal high incidence and mortality, emphasizing the need for awareness and early action.
The disease is most frequently diagnosed after the age of 40, with men being affected more often than women. In the current year alone, India has recorded roughly 77,000 new oral cancer cases and more than 52,000 deaths.
Early detection is critical, as tumors are commonly found only after they have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, which significantly reduces survival chances. However, when discovered at an early stage, the chances of a cure rise dramatically. The principal sites where oral cancer may develop include the lips, tongue, inner cheek (buccal mucosa), gums, and the floor of the mouth or other lower-oral regions.
Typical warning signs of oral cancer include persistent ulcers or sores that do not heal, red, white, or mixed patches on the oral lining, and unexplained lumps, bleeding, numbness, or difficulty chewing and swallowing. To prevent the disease, it is recommended to schedule a professional oral examination at least twice a year, or sooner if any symptoms appear. It is also important to avoid known risk factors such as tobacco (whether smoked or chewed), excessive alcohol use, and betel-nut products. Additional preventive measures include protecting the lips from prolonged sun exposure and considering HPV vaccination where appropriate.
Any suspicious lesion lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated promptly by a dentist or oncologist experienced in head-and-neck cancers. Specialists like Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, who focus on mouth and oral cancers, can provide comprehensive diagnostics, staging, and treatment plans. These may involve surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy, depending on the tumor’s location and extent of spread.
In short, oral cancer remains a major public health concern. However, with vigilant self-monitoring, routine dental visits, and early consultation with qualified cancer specialists, outcomes can be greatly improved.
